'Hopefully I will be a replacement player' - Carlos Brathwaite reacts after going unsold in IPL 2020 auction

The IPL auctions have always presented some surprising outcomes. In 2020 edition of the auctions, there were a few surprises as well. South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who was expected to go unsold, received one of the highest bids. He was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 10 crores.

On the other hand, Australian batsman Chris Lynn, who has garnered huge bucks at the auctions previously, went for a mere price of INR 2 crore to Mumbai Indians. In fact, Piyush Chawla, who hasn’t played for India since 2011 went for a mammoth price for INR 6.75 crore to the Chennai Super Kings.

These were some of the surprising picks at the Auctions. However, much to the surprise of many players, former West Indies T20 skipper Carlos Braithwaite went unsold. The all-rounder has rediscovered himself as a leader and a match-winner in the previous edition of Caribbean Premier League and was expected to go for big bucks at this year’s auction.

Carlos Braithwaite shows a keen interest in participating in IPL 2020

Braithwaite has previously played for three franchises. In 2016 and 2017, he represented the Delhi franchise before moving to Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. He was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for INR 5 crores for the IPL 2019. But, he only played two matches. Andre Russell was the regular all-rounder for KKR which didn’t allow Braithwaite to play more than two matches.

According to Times Now News, Carlos Braithwaite has recently revealed in an interview that he would take part in the IPL 2020 in some or the other role. “Hopefully I will be in IPL in some capacity may be replacement player or in commentary,” Braithwaite said. Braithwaite hoping for a commentary stint something out of the blue as many players have done that in the past.

Players like Darren Sammy, Scott Styris, Irfan Pathan and Corey Anderson have got involved in broadcasting after being unsold in an IPL auction. Carlos Braithwaite can hope to land up a job with Star Sports and follow the path which Sammy or any other professional chose.

Interestingly, he could be brought into the side as a replacement player as well. For instance, Delhi Capitals’ will look for someone to replace Chris Woakes who has pulled out of the IPL 2020 already. Interestingly, during IPL 2011, Mark Boucher was in India as a commentator when Kolkata Knight Riders asked him to join the squad as a player. He replaced Brad Haddin and played a few matches for them in that season.